Immediately after a gastrointestinal bypass, you will need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You will be given pain relief to help ease any discomfort you begin to feel. Severe pain is unlikely, although some patients do find the experience considerably more painful than others.

For the first day after a gastric bypass operation, you will be required to wear special stockings on your lower legs to help to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These will often be connected to compression pump which inflates the stockings to maintain normal blood flow. You will also be encouraged to get out of bed and move around to prevent infections and blood cots.

You will have a drip inserted into a vein in your hand or arm to give you fluids for the first day or so. You will able to wheel this around with you when you go the toilet or for a walk.

Two or three days after your gastric bypass, and X-ray will be taken of your stomach to make sure there are no leaks. Assuming there are no problems, you will then be you able to start drinking fluids such as soups and juice.

The day on which you can go home after a gastrointestinal bypass will vary from patient to patient. Some people will be allowed to return after two days whereas others will be kept in for up to a week. It all depends on how well you are recovering, and your doctor's assessment of your condition. Rushing home too quickly can cause problems, and you may find yourself back in hospital before you know it.

You will be given at least one further appointment for a follow-up consultation and examination. This is the ideal time to raise any queries or questions that you may have.

It can take many weeks to fully recover after having a gastric bypass operation. The important thing is to avoid doing too much too quickly. Your body needs time to adjust to it's new digestive system so be patient, take it easy, and don't overexert yourself.